Romans 12 - a checklist

Check yourself against this list to see how your fair:

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV):

• Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
• Honor one another above yourselves.
• Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
• Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
• Share with God's people who are in need.
• Practice hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
• Live in harmony with one another.
• Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
• Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary
• "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
• if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How did you do? I have so say that some days I do okay but then I am not working so I don't see a lot of people. Other days, I fail miserably. then there are other days that I don't do too bad but not too good either.  It does look like a daunting list.  I've read it before but never looked at it as a checklist of my performance.  A pastor who was leading a short devotion last evening used it.  He paused after each statement, allowing us time to reflect for a bit.  There were some growls, groans, "ouch"-es proclaimed. These were all dedicated Christians, devoted to spreading Christ to others, yet we all see how far we are from the Standard of Jesus. This is a goal we all should strive for......Jesus passed this performance test each day.

Father God, Help me when I do not live up to the standards.  Forgive my insistence on my own ways.  Keep me mindful of Your checklist in scripture.  Amen.


PS.  See new Deanna's Post